Highlights: Towns of the Southern Region, Southern Region of Ethiopia
Towns of the Southern Region
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Worth Noting:
Type:
- Traditional tribes
- Markets
Difficulty:
- Moderate level of fitness
Park Fees:
- Under 50 USD
About Towns of the Southern Region
While the towns of the region are few and far between, each has its own distinctive character and feeling.
Shashemene is the home of the Rastafarian movement in Ethiopia, and has a Rasta museum and several Rasta bars. This originated when, in 1948, Emperor Haile Selassie gave some of his land to the Rastafarian Movement, the Ethiopian World Federation and settlers from Jamaica; throughout his life the emperor encouraged Jamaicans and Rastafarians to settle in Shashemene and for this is revered to this day by Rastafarians. In 2005, rumours abounded that Bob Marley’s remains were to be exhumed and reburied at Shashemene when his widow claimed Ethiopia to be his spiritual home. Despite this, the Rastafarian Quarter is a small section of this sprawling town, which is best known as a major junction linking several roads that connect all parts of the south of Ethiopia.
Hawassa, on the shores of Lake Hawassa, is the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region. The town is best known for its dawn fish market, a bustling and dynamic event where fishermen and locals congregate daily. For those who dare, delicious thinly sliced raw fish served with spices and flat bread is available in the lakeside restaurant. The town makes a convenient stopping point in the way south, and its shops sell a useful combination of electronics, clothes, shoes and toiletries that can't be found in the towns further south.
Arba Minch, or Forty Springs, was named for the abundant water that comes from the area. An attractive town, it has views over Nechisar National Park and its two lovely lakes: Abaya and Chamo. The town is also known for the Dorze people who live on the surrounding hills; visits to Dorze villages from the town are interesting and enjoyable.
Jinka is a lively market town frequented by the local tribes-people who come regularly to buy, sell and socialise. Although the town is the centre for 16 indigenous groups, the Hamar people, recognisable by their ochre-tinted hair and skin, are most in evidence here. Curios, carvings and other attractive memorabilia are best bought here.
Turmi is a dry, dusty and sparsely populated town that serves as a centre for many of the tribes of the Omo Valley who live in scattered villages beyond. The Amhara, Hamar, Goffa, Gamo, Mursi, Karo, Konso, Dassanach and others live around here; Turmi is popular with visitors as a place to stay whilst visiting the tribes.
Other Highlights In The Southern Region
There are several national parks in the south of Ethiopia, all of which were gazetted for a specific reason – whether it was to protect a certain species, or to conserve a habitat, or something else. Bale Mountain National Park is the best known and arguably the most interesting ...
While the towns of the region are few and far between, each has its own distinctive character and feeling. Shashemene is the home of the Rastafarian movement in Ethiopia, and has a Rasta museum and several Rasta bars. This originated when, in 1948, Emperor Haile Selassie gave some of his land ...
While the tribes who live here are too numerous and too individual to describe here in detail, it would be a serious omission to write about the south without mentioning them. The tribes of the Omo Valley appear to have changed little for eons; the people of each tribe ...
Accommodations Near Towns of the Southern Region
Aregash Lodge is built in the style of a traditional Sidama village. Set amongst the coffee fields of the Missailidis Family’s coffee plantation, the lodge overlooks lush green slopes. The Missailidis Family, originally from Greece, have been in Ethiopia for three generations and cultivate the tasty coffee for which ...
Buska Lodge is in Turmi, home of the Hamar people. The lodge is owned and operated by Dinknesh Ethiopia Tours. The 25 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, doubles and twins. The lodge offers laundry and Wifi, and has a campsite, with thatched shade roof and adjoining bathrooms. The restaurant ...
Hawassa, on the shores of Lake Hawassa, is the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region. A bustling hub in the south of Ethiopia, the town is home to Hawassa University and several markets including the popular fish market. The 82 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, twins, ...
A friendly homestay owned and managed by the Dorze tribe, Dorze Lodge is high on a mountain above the town of Arba Minch, overlooking the lake and valley below. There are 10 en-suite traditional beehive rooms, and 4 traditional Dorze huts, entirely covered by organic materials, with communal bathrooms. All the furniture ...
In the heart of the Omo Valley, just outside Jinka, Eco-Omo Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge made up of safari tents. The 20 en-suite safari tents are made up of twins and doubles. All rooms are raised on stilts and have thatched roofs. There are also 8 rooms with shared showers and ...
Arba Minch, meaning ‘Forty Springs’ after the abundant natural springs in the area, is a town on the lush western side of the Rift Valley. Emerald Resort and Lodge sits high on an escarpment and has lovely views of the mountains and lakes. The 82 en-suite rooms are made up of ...
Turmi is the home of the Hamar people, and the gateway to the villages of the Omo Valley. Emerald Resort and Lodge, also known as Evangadi Lodge, has 32 en-suite twin rooms, furnished with a cupboard, desk and chair. There’s also a campsite in the grounds. The restaurant serves Ethiopian ...
This simple homestay is designed and managed by the Dorze tribe. High on the mountain, the homestay has lovely views on all sides. The 12 round tukuls have walls and roofs of woven bamboo. They can be furnished with 1 or 2 single beds, and a chair. The bathroom block, adjacent to the ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...
Hawassa, capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region, is a bustling hub on Lake Hawassa. Situated near the lake, Hawassa Lake View Hotel has lovely views of the water and the lakeshore. The 22 en-suite rooms are made up of standard, double and delux. All rooms have TV, Wifi, ...
Lewi Hotel and Resort is on the shores of Lake Hawassa. To suit the style of its location, the hotel is traditionally thatched. The 60 en-suite rooms are made up of garden view rooms, lake view rooms, bungalows, connective suites, family suites and a presidential suite. All rooms have TV, safe, ...
As its name suggests, Mora Heights Hotel is high on a hill, 1,285 meters above sea level. The 28 en-suite rooms are made up of singles, doubles and twins. All have balconies, many of which have lovely views. The restaurant serves Ethiopian cuisine and has some international dishes. The bar is stocked ...
Perched on a peak overlooking Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya, Paradise Lodge offers spectacular views across Ethiopia’s southern Rift Valley. The 129 en-suite rooms comprise single, twin, family, king size, VIP suite and presidential suite. All rooms are furnished with beds and tables crafted from local Cordia Africana trees. The ...
Hawassa, capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region, is a bustling hub on Lake Hawassa. Centrally located, the South Star International Hotel offers rooms and services designed for both business and leisure travellers. The 114 en-suite rooms are made up of standard, twin, family, executive suites and delux suites. ...
Turmi Lodge named for the town in which it’s located: Turmi, home of the Hamar people. The lodge is owned and operated by Splendor Ethiopia Tours. Turmi Lodge has 34 en-suite rooms, in several blocks spread about the large compound. The spacious rooms all have cupboard, mosquito net, table, chairs, ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...
Haile Gebrselassie is arguably the best runner Ethiopia has ever produced – and that’s quite a feat! With two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles and too many marathon wins to count, Haile has broken national and international records time and time again. Now President of Ethiopian Athletics, the ...